About Us
Penhaligon’s Friends is a Cornish charity supporting bereaved children, young people, parents, and carers throughout the county. We offer children and young people the chance to meet others and share their experiences, as well as practical resources to help children cope with their grief. We offer a range of support services including advice and resources, telephone support, family visits, groups, school visits, one to one support, and social events.
We also deliver an extensive programme of training and advice for other childcare professionals and those interested in becoming a volunteer. We aim to help the wider community to find appropriate ways of responding to bereaved children’s needs.
Over the years the organisation has grown and there are now 9 staff members and a dedicated team of over 50 volunteers.
Our History
Penhaligon’s Friends is a charitable organisation that was formed in February 1995 to identify and address the needs of bereaved children in Cornwall.
The idea grew from a bereavement forum representing a wide number of organisations including CRUSE, CLIC, Compassionate Friends, SANDS, SIDS, Child and Family Services (Education and Health), Macmillan Service, Hospital Chaplaincy, Hospice Southwest and Social Care.
Over the years we have grown the service to support local need and always use feedback and evaluation to shape our service.
At Penhaligon’s Friends we hope that bereaved children will feel a part of our organisation and believe that others will really understand and share their experiences.
Our Vision, Mission & Values
Vision
All bereaved children and young people feel supported, understood and not alone.
Mission
Penhaligon’s Friends support bereaved children, young people and families living in Cornwall when they need it and in a way that is right for them. To achieve this, we work closely with parents, carers, professionals and local communities when someone in a child’s life has died.
Values
Penhaligon’s Friends believes that:
- All children grieve and that grief should be normalised.
- Society benefits from the sharing and understanding of children’s grief.
- Early interventions have a positive effect on the psychological, physical and educational wellbeing of the child.
- The organisation should pursue equal opportunities so that no child of whatever background is excluded.
- All service users should be treated with respect and their confidentiality maintained.
- All service users should have an opportunity to evaluate the service they have received.
- All staff and volunteers should have the opportunity for professional and emotional support and development.